Local Matters

CLOCKS. – An other installment of clocks just received for sale low for cash, at billon’s No. 10 Le Claire Row.

THE snow storm of Saturday evening was attended by thunder and lightning; rather unusual attendants at this season of the year.

JUST RECEIVED at Plummer’s, a large lot of ladies’ work baskets’ also a fine assortment of cutlery baskets.

$10,000,000 CASH CAPITAL. – There is probably not an insurance agency in the United States that represents more strong companies or a larger capital, than is represented by Mr. R. Simpson.  See advertisement.

THE fire at Princeton on Thursday evening originated in the dry goods store of Mr. Blake, and destroyed that and the adjoining building, which was the dwelling and shop of Mr. Smaltz, a traitor.  Total loss about $4,000; partially insured in the Aetna.

THE SNOW on Friday, though light, drifted so much that it is feared great obstruction has been caused to trains on the different railroads.  The western train started with the Samson locomotive, but could not get beyond Harrison street.  Another locomotive took the train back to the depot, whence it was divided, and subsequently taken out.

A CHANCE FOR BARGAINS! – By advertisement it will be seen there will be an auction sale next Wednesday of all the household furniture of a citizen who is about leaving our midst.  As there is a great quantity of articles to be sold, some of which may be required in almost every household, and there will be no reservation, there should be a large attendance at this sale.  ADD would doubtless be glad to see all his friends at his house, on this the last occasion that he can invite them.

FIRST DAY OF MARCH. – There is an old saying to the effect, that is the month of March come in like a lion it will go out like a lamb, signifying that if it commence[s] boisterously it will close very quietly.  We have the first part of the adage, and will take old Time’s note at thirty days for the balance.  People hereabout were very much surprised – if they are surprised at anything this winter connected with the weather – on awakening Saturday morning to find several inches of snow had fallen during the night, which the wind had drifted in all directions.

THE FIRST BIRD OF SPRING. – We have heard it, and on the first day of spring.  It was early in the morning, the “ground was all covered with snow,” and as we drew our shawl closer around our ears to protect them from the fierce wind, a robin seated himself on a neighboring tree and caroled forth his sweet notes.  Now what brought him so early to this cold and inhospitable clime?  Had he missed his reckoning, or was he ambitiously bent upon being the first messenger from the sunny South?  He came not to tell of war, for amid the desolation of snow around him he sung the glad symphony of peace.  The very birds in their migrations tell us how nearly allied are the extremes of this vast republic, and how necessary to happiness is a union of all the parts.  As the little bird was the harbinger of spring, so may it be the restoration of peace, and prosperity to our distracted country.

THE COURAGE TO SAY ‘NO.’ – The author of Lacon says, ‘that it is better to be laughed at than ruined.’  We were very forcibly reminded of this saying a few days since in observing several big boys daring some little ones to crawl through the snow, under a bridge that spans the deep gutters of Rock Island street.  One little fellow stood there and watched the others as they emerged all covered with snow and dirt, and when the bigger boys dared him to do the same, he proudly drew himself and with dignity said, ‘No, I’d rather take a banter than do that!’  If spared, that little fellow will make his mark in the world.

– Published in The Davenport Daily Gazette, Davenport, Iowa, Monday Morning, March 3, 1862, p. 1